ECS Refining provides downstream recycling services for continuous streams of electronic waste accumulated by collectors, non-profits, wastehaulers, landfill operators, and other recyclers. Although ECS is capable of processing a wide range of material streams, our downstream recycling service is optimized for electronic waste (see definition below). Non-electronic and non-conforming materials can disrupt the streamlined recycling process or potentially contaminate the commodity outputs. 

Electronic Waste Defined

Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to obsolete electronic devices that have reached their end-of-life. Electronic devices contain a significant amount of circuitry in relation to the other structural materials such as plastics or base metals. The circuitry in electronic waste contains precious metals such as gold, silver, palladium, and copper that can be recovered through the recycling process. Below is a list of common electronic devices that should be included in electronic waste streams:

Electronic vs. Electrical

People often equate electrical with electronic, but not all devices that transfer electrical power are electronic devices. In general, electrical devices do not contain complex circuitry and should not be considered electronic waste. Electrical devices are primarily composed of base metals and/or plastics, and are better suited to be procesed by a non-electronics recycler. The vast majority of household and kitchen appliances are electrical devices—not electronic—and should not be included in electronic waste streams. Below is a list of common electrical devices:

*ECS accepts bare CRT tubes for a fee if they are separated and packaged according to hazardous waste regulations.